Leaf-spring-lubricating structure



Patented Mar. 16, i926.

UNITED gsrares PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM H. FISI-IER, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA., ASSIGNOR OFONE-HALF TO HERMAN JONAS, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

LEAF-SPRING-LUBRICAIING STRUCTURE.

Application filed February 16, 1924. Serial No. 693,349.

To all eli/om t may concern:

Be it known that I, VILLIAM H. FISHER,

a citizen ofthe United States, residing at Philadelphia, in 'the countyof Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have invented new and usefulImprovements in Leaf- Spring-Lubricating Structures, of which thefollowing is a specificati-on.

This invention relates to,v vehicle springs of the laminated type ofleaf spring, such as used on motor vehicles and an object oftheinvention is to provide a construction whereby the engaging surfacesof the leaves of the spring may'bc lubricated thoroughly and efficientlyto prevent rusting and the consequent deterioration of the springs, aswell as to prevent the squeeking or undesirable noises frequently madeby springs when improperly lubricated. i

It is a well known fact that considerable work and time are requiredunder the present construction of vehicle springs, to properly lubricatethe springs, and as a result numerous motorists simply ignore thelubrication of the springs which frequently cause undesirable noises andoften results in the breaking of the springs under strains.

More specifically, the invention comprehends the provision of leafsprings disposed manner as to cause effective lubrication of the wearingor engaging surfaces of the springs during movement kof the springswhile in operation.

Other objects of the invention will appear in the following detaildescription, and in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure l-is a fragmentary section through a vehiclespring structureshowing i the oil or lubricating grooves and ducts cut therein.

Figure 2-is a top plan of the improved spring structure.

Figure S-is a vertical section through the improved spring structure.

Figure l-is an enlarged detail section through a partof the springstructure.

in laminated relation which have grooves Figure -is a longitudinalsection through a modified form of the spring.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the spring structure l isof any appro-ved type used on motor vehicles and is composed of aplurality of leaves 2 disposed in superposed abutting engagement andgradually decreasing, in length from the uppermost leaf spring to thelowermost leaf. The uppermost spring leaf 2 is provided with a verticalopening or duct 3 therein a short distance inwardly from the outer endof the second spring leaf 2, andthe opening 3 is counter-bored as shownat el, to receive the' threaded stem 5 of an oil cup 6 of any approvedconstruction. .The duct 3 communicates with a longitudinally extendinggroove 4 cut in the undersurface of the uppermost leaf 2 and extendinginwardly from the duct 3. The groove 7 is preferably positionedequi-distant of the side edges of the leaf, as clearly shown in Figure 2of the drawings. However, it is to be understood, that more` than onegroove may be provided without departing from the spirit of thisinvention.

Byparticular reference to Figure `l of the' drawings, it will be notedthat the groove 7 extends outwardly towards the end of the leaf 2, ashort distance beyond the duct 3 so as to permit lubricant to flow backtowards the end of the spring for effectively lubricating the end of thesecond leaf 2, as Vwell as lubricating the surface of the upper leaf 2which engages the second leaf. The second leaf 2 is provided with atransversely extending duct 8 which has communication with a groove 7and with a groove 9 .in the third left 2, and as clearly shown in Figurel of the drawings, each of the leaves, with the exception of thelio-wermost leaf 2 is provided with a transverse duct 8 and alongitudinally extending groove 9; all of which are connected insequence, and in step-by-step relation, so that the lubricant flowingfrom the cup `6 will flow through the various grooves and ducts in astep-bystep manner for properly lubricating the various leaves of thesprings. All of the grooves 7 and 9 project beyond the ducts 8, so as topermit lubricant to flow downwardly between the respective leaves 2.

Owing to the fact that the leaves usually incline downwardly from theirupper ends towards their centers, it is desirable to provide means forretaining a limited amount ot' lubricant in which the major portions ofthe grooves T and 9 that is between the duct S or 9 which serves as theinlet duct :tor the respective grooves for the duct which serves as theoutlet for the respective groove so as to provide a quantity otlubricant therein tor lubricating the adjacent engaging surl'aces ot'the various leaves, and to provide it'or this construction. lilach otthe leaves l is a lug Yl() formed therein at one side ot the outlet ductot the groove, as clearly shown in Figure iot the drawings. The lugs l()are preterablvv itorined by punching a portion ot the spring leavesoutwardly, causing a correspoi'iding recess il and the lugs are oi"sutlicient width as lo span or e:- tend acrossv the various grooves,forming a dam in the grooves 'tor the purpose of retaining a certai iamount ot lubricant therein. The movement ot the springs during thetravel ot a vehicle eipiipped therewith will permit the lubricant toseat l'ietvveen them and ellectivelvv lubrieate the engaging surfaces otthe various leaves eliminating umlesirable noises, preventingI rust andexcessive wear on the springs.

In Figure 5 ol.' the drawings, a modi tied 'l'orm ot the invention isshown in which the spring structure i() ot the type in which theseouence oi the leaves are reversed with respect to the type shown inFigures l to `linclusive. that is, the leaves gradiuill)Y increases inlength 'trom the uppermost to the lowerniost leali. and theyV inctnedownwardlyY towards their ends. Home motor vehicles such as the Ford usethis type ot' spring, and lo permit the Anoper lubrication ot thevarious leaves 12;?. all ot' the leaves with the exception oit thelowerniosl one are drilled to provide a continuous duct 2li with which asuitable oil cup El connetted` lach oi the leaves 1,2. with theefueption ol' the lowermost leal is provided with a longitudinall'vYextending groove 25 cut in its undersurl'faee which conmniuicates withduet 3, and extends for the major portion ot its length 'towards theends o' the leaves. However, each ot the grooves project inwardlytowards the center ot the various leaves, from the duct 23, so as topermit lubrication o'l" the central portion ot the springs and also topermit communication between the duct i223 and the groove in easeextreme accuracy is not employed in the Forming ot either the duet orthe grooves.

It is, ot course, to be understood, that the invention ma)7 beconstructed in various other manners, and the parts associated indili'erent relations, and therefore, I do not desire to be limited inany manner, except as set forth in the claims hereunto appended.

lVhat I claim is:

l. A laminated leat spring comprising a pluralit,v ot spring leavesdisposed in superposed relation, said spring leaves havinglongitudinally extending grooves out. in their undersurtaces and beingprovided with transversely extending ducts establishing communicationbetween the respective grooves` said ducts positioned intermediate theends ot' the grooves and lugs struck :troni said springs upwardlvr .intothe grooves and forming dams in said grooves tor retaining a limitedquantity of lubricant in portions ot the grooves.

2. A, laininated leat spring comprising a. pluralitv4 ot' spring leavesdisposed in superposed relation, said spring leaves havinglongitudinalljv` extending grooves cnt in their undersurtiufes and beingprovided with transversely extending ducts establishing communicationbetween the respective grooves, said ducts positioned intermediate theends ot the grooves and arranged wherebv lubricant will travel in astep-like path through the various grooves and ducts, and lugs struckYtrom said springs upwardlyy into the grooves and torn'iing dams in saidgrooves ttor retaining a limited quantity ot lubricant in portions oli'the grooves.

.ln testimony whereo't' I alii); my signature.

IVILLIM H. FISI-IER.

